After earning an Oscar nomination for his performance in the family drama Minari, Steven Yeun has set sights on his next project. The actor is in negotiations to join the cast of writer-director Jordan Peele's next feature film, per Deadline. Though the premise is still being kept under wraps, casting news for the project has been bubbling in recent weeks. Last month, it was reported that Keke Palmer is set to star in the movie. Additionally, Daniel Kaluuya is in talks to co-star, which would reunite the Get Out lead with Peele. Kaluuya is also nominated for an Oscar this year for his supporting turn in Judas and the Black Messiah. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/01/04/minari-official-trailer"] Earlier this month, Yeun became the first Asian American to ever be Oscar-nominated for Best Actor for his turn as the father of a Korean immigrant family in Minari. The film earned five other Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Yeun's other major credits include his regular role as Glenn on The Walking Dead, as well as supporting turns in Bong Joon-Ho's Okja and Lee Chang-dong's Burning. The actor is also set to star alongside Ali Wong in the upcoming Netflix series Beef. Along with writing and directing, Peele will produce the project alongside Ian Cooper of Monkeypaw Productions. This marks the third film Peele has made with Universal. Peele's directorial debut Get Out was a smash success at the box office and earned four Oscar nominations, including Peele for Best Director, Kaluuya for Best Actor, and Best Picture. Peele won for Best Original Screenplay. His horror follow-up Us was another commercial success, earning $255.1 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ranking-jordan-peeles-the-twilight-zone-season-1&captions=true"] It remains to be seen whether Peele will be returning to horror for his next project. Whatever it ends up being, Universal is set to release the film on July 22, 2022. [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe keeps chugging along with the upcoming release of Black Widow, it seems that some of Stan Lee's other comic book creations will be finding their way into movies as well. Director John Woo revealed Thursday that he is attached to produce a live-action adaptation of the unreleased series Monkey Master, which Lee created with his frequent collaborator Sharad Devarajan in 2016. Drawing from Lee and Devarajan's story, the film will follow Li Yong, an archeologist that discovers an ancient prophecy about the Chinese legend of The Monkey King. Yong's findings lead him on an adventure in India, where a hidden power transforms him into a superhero. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/12/28/ant-man-and-the-wasp-stan-lee-outtakes"] Stan Lee discussed his creative investment in Monkey Master in 2016, two years before his death in November 2018. "I have always been fascinated by the Chinese and Indian cultures which are so philosophical and rich in tradition and morality," Lee said. "Monkey Master will be unique in how it interweaves myth to create a modern-day hero that will entertain fans across the world with his martial arts skills and unstoppable super-powers." Monkey Master co-creator Devarajan is the co-founder and CEO of Graphic India. "Stan Lee was a mentor and friend who was one of the most influential creators of the 20th century," Devarajan said in a statement. "His characters are the modern mythologies of our time, transcending nations and culture and speaking to us in the primal language of human imagination... I am so excited to work with John Woo [and producers] Lori Tilkin and Gill Champion to honor Stan's Monkey Master creation and bring this superhero to the screen the way he always intended." [caption id="attachment_2495277" align="alignnone" width="842"] Credit: Graphic India[/caption] Woo is one of the most influential action filmmakers in the world. A major figure of Hong Kong cinema, Woo made his name directing films such as The Killer and Hard Boiled. Woo also had a long run in Hollywood which included blockbusters like Face/Off, Mission: Impossible II, and Paycheck, before returning to Asian cinema. "I have always wanted to make a film based on the Monkey King story of China but have struggled with a new way to present it," Woo said. "The story by Stan Lee was such a unique version of it that incorporated the mythological character's unexplored journey to India and had all the elements I enjoy in filmmaking - great characters, action, and adventure." [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe keeps chugging along with the upcoming release of Black Widow, it seems that some of Stan Lee's other comic book creations will be finding their way into movies as well. Director John Woo revealed Thursday that he is attached to produce a live-action adaptation of the unreleased series Monkey Master, which Lee created with his frequent collaborator Sharad Devarajan in 2016. Drawing from Lee and Devarajan's story, the film will follow Li Yong, an archeologist that discovers an ancient prophecy about the Chinese legend of The Monkey King. Yong's findings lead him on an adventure in India, where a hidden power transforms him into a superhero. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/12/28/ant-man-and-the-wasp-stan-lee-outtakes"] Stan Lee discussed his creative investment in Monkey Master in 2016, two years before his death in November 2018. "I have always been fascinated by the Chinese and Indian cultures which are so philosophical and rich in tradition and morality," Lee said. "Monkey Master will be unique in how it interweaves myth to create a modern-day hero that will entertain fans across the world with his martial arts skills and unstoppable super-powers." Monkey Master co-creator Devarajan is the co-founder and CEO of Graphic India. "Stan Lee was a mentor and friend who was one of the most influential creators of the 20th century," Devarajan said in a statement. "His characters are the modern mythologies of our time, transcending nations and culture and speaking to us in the primal language of human imagination... I am so excited to work with John Woo [and producers] Lori Tilkin and Gill Champion to honor Stan's Monkey Master creation and bring this superhero to the screen the way he always intended." [caption id="attachment_2495277" align="alignnone" width="842"] Credit: Graphic India[/caption] Woo is one of the most influential action filmmakers in the world. A major figure of Hong Kong cinema, Woo made his name directing films such as The Killer and Hard Boiled. Woo also had a long run in Hollywood which included blockbusters like Face/Off, Mission: Impossible II, and Paycheck, before returning to Asian cinema. "I have always wanted to make a film based on the Monkey King story of China but have struggled with a new way to present it," Woo said. "The story by Stan Lee was such a unique version of it that incorporated the mythological character's unexplored journey to India and had all the elements I enjoy in filmmaking - great characters, action, and adventure." [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.

Ava DuVernay’s New Gods and James Wan’s Aquaman spinoff The Trench are officially canceled at Warner Bros. and DC Films, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"As part of our DC slate, some legacy development titles including New Gods and The Trench will not be moving forward," Warner Bros. and DC said in a statement to THR. "We thank our partners Ava DuVernay, Tom King, James Wan, and Peter Safran for their time and collaboration during this process and look forward to our continued partnership with them on other DC stories. The projects will remain in their skillful hands if they were to move forward in the future."

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DuVernay took to Twitter Thursday to express her disappointment with the development.

"Tom, I loved writing NEW GODS with you," DuVernay wrote. "I’m upset that the saga of Barda, Scott, Granny, Highfather, and The Furies ends this way. Diving into Kirby’s Fourth World was the adventure of a lifetime. That can’t be taken away. Thank you for your friendship. And remember... #DarkseidIs."

Tom, I loved writing NEW GODS with you. I’m upset that the saga of Barda, Scott, Granny, Highfather and The Furies ends this way. Diving into Kirby’s Fourth World was the adventure of a lifetime. That can’t be taken away. Thank you for your friendship. And remember... #DarkseidIs pic.twitter.com/XyyIjcB8Wv

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) April 1, 2021

King similarly expressed his dismay at the project's cancellation and appreciation for DuVernay's work. "Ava! I’m so incredibly proud of the work we did, it was such a joy seeing you bring your passion and talent to these characters," King tweeted. "I really felt Kirby’s legacy was being honored here and I wish we could’ve kept going. That one Barda/Scott scene where…damn."

Ava! I’m so incredibly proud of the work we did, it was such a joy seeing you bring your passion and talent to these characters. I really felt Kirby’s legacy was being honored here and I wish we could’ve kept going. That one Barda/Scott scene where…damn.

— Tom King (@TomKingTK) April 1, 2021

While the projects are being frozen, for now, THR’s sources indicated that DC Films and Warner Bros. are leaving the door open for future adaptations. DC and WB reportedly felt the two films did not fit in DC’s next few years of superhero entries and preferred to not leave the production teams in limbo. DuVernay (Selma, Scandal) was originally brought on to collaborate with comic book writer Tom King (The Vision, Batman) on New Gods, a cast of superpowered individuals who emerged after the destruction of the classical gods. DuVernay is still currently working on DC’s Naomi series for CW. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/26/the-suicide-squad-official-trailer"]

Wan (Saw, The Conjuring), who previously directed 2018's Aquaman, was similarly slated to produce a horror-focused spinoff dubbed The Trench. The film would further explore the race of evil deepsea creatures that Aquaman battles. Wan was also collaborating with longtime production partner Peter Safran. Aquaman 2 reportedly focuses on plot elements introduced in Silver Age Black Manta comics.

Further complicating Duvernay’s New Gods film was the appearance of villain Darkseid in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. DC Films reportedly felt there wouldn’t be enough space between Justice League and New Gods, which also planned to feature Darkseid as a central antagonist.

DC’s upcoming film slate is the company’s attempt to establish a more consistent continuity between films. James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is planned to introduce a spinoff focusing on John Cena’s Peacemaker character, while Matt Reeve’s The Batman is spawning a Gotham police department series. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer for IGN.

Ava DuVernay’s New Gods and James Wan’s Aquaman spinoff The Trench are officially canceled at Warner Bros. and DC Films, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"As part of our DC slate, some legacy development titles including New Gods and The Trench will not be moving forward," Warner Bros. and DC said in a statement to THR. "We thank our partners Ava DuVernay, Tom King, James Wan, and Peter Safran for their time and collaboration during this process and look forward to our continued partnership with them on other DC stories. The projects will remain in their skillful hands if they were to move forward in the future."

DuVernay took to Twitter Thursday to express her disappointment with the development.

"Tom, I loved writing NEW GODS with you," DuVernay wrote. "I’m upset that the saga of Barda, Scott, Granny, Highfather, and The Furies ends this way. Diving into Kirby’s Fourth World was the adventure of a lifetime. That can’t be taken away. Thank you for your friendship. And remember... #DarkseidIs."

Tom, I loved writing NEW GODS with you. I’m upset that the saga of Barda, Scott, Granny, Highfather and The Furies ends this way. Diving into Kirby’s Fourth World was the adventure of a lifetime. That can’t be taken away. Thank you for your friendship. And remember... #DarkseidIs pic.twitter.com/XyyIjcB8Wv

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) April 1, 2021

King similarly expressed his dismay at the project's cancellation and appreciation for DuVernay's work. "Ava! I’m so incredibly proud of the work we did, it was such a joy seeing you bring your passion and talent to these characters," King tweeted. "I really felt Kirby’s legacy was being honored here and I wish we could’ve kept going. That one Barda/Scott scene where…damn."

Ava! I’m so incredibly proud of the work we did, it was such a joy seeing you bring your passion and talent to these characters. I really felt Kirby’s legacy was being honored here and I wish we could’ve kept going. That one Barda/Scott scene where…damn.

— Tom King (@TomKingTK) April 1, 2021

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=dc-extended-universe-every-upcoming-movie&captions=true"]

While the projects are being frozen, for now, THR’s sources indicated that DC Films and Warner Bros. are leaving the door open for future adaptations. DC and WB reportedly felt the two films did not fit in DC’s next few years of superhero entries and preferred to not leave the production teams in limbo.

DuVernay (Selma, Scandal) was originally brought on to collaborate with comic book writer Tom King (The Vision, Batman) on New Gods, a cast of superpowered individuals who emerged after the destruction of the classical gods. DuVernay is still currently working on the DC’s Naomi series for CW. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/26/the-suicide-squad-official-trailer"]

Wan (Saw, The Conjuring), who previously directed 2018s’ Aquaman, was similarly slated to produce a horror-focused spinoff dubbed The Trench. The film would further explore the race of evil deepsea creatures that Aquaman battles. Wan was also collaborating with longtime production partner Peter Safran. Aquaman 2 reportedly focuses on plot elements introduced in Silver Age Black Manta comics.

Further complicating Duvernay’s New Gods film was the appearance of villain Darkseid in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. DC Films reportedly felt there wouldn’t be enough space between Justice League and New Gods, which also planned to feature Darkseid as a central antagonist.

DC’s upcoming film slate is the company’s attempt to establish a more consistent continuity between films. James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is planned to introduce a spinoff focusing on John Cena’s Peacemaker character, while Matt Reeve’s The Batman is spawning a Gotham police department series. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer for IGN.

Here are over 60 new screenshots from The Suicide Squad movie from director James Gunn. Starring Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, and more.

Here are over 60 new screenshots from The Suicide Squad movie from director James Gunn. Starring Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, and more.

The Entertainment Software Association -- the organization behind E3 -- is denying reports that some of the content at this year's digital E3 event may be locked behind a paywall. A report today from VGC's conversations with multiple publishing sources stated that the ESA planned to put at least some portions of E3's 2021 digital show behind a paywall, with a suggested "premium" package price of $35. The report indicates that these elements would be along the lines of game demos or some other kind of "extra access," and does not seem to suggest that the conferences themselves would be paid content. However, VGC's report indicated that these plans might be tenuous, as at least one major games company had expressed criticism of this plan and the ESA seemed willing to back down. Its prior reports have described a week-long "experience" in mid-June with three days of broadcast content, as well as ongoing content after via an official app. Ideas reportedly pitched have included keynotes from major companies, an awards show, a preview night, media and business meeting scheduling via an app, demos, "virtual booths," and merch stores. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/10/will-e3-still-have-a-big-impact-in-2021-plus-silent-hill-rumors-beyond-episode-687"] Following this report, the official E3 Twitter account published a statement directly in response to this report that read, "E3’s 2021 digital show is a free event for all attendees.  We’re excited to fill you in on all the real news for the event very soon." And a further, more specific statement given to VGC from the ESA said that "there will be no elements at E3 2021 that will be behind a paid-for pass or paywall." The ESA previously confirmed that this year's E3 would be a digital event after E3 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19. In lieu of this, the majority of major publishers and platform holders opted to hold their own individual events scattered throughout the summer months. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.

The Entertainment Software Association -- the organization behind E3 -- is denying reports that some of the content at this year's digital E3 event may be locked behind a paywall. A report today from VGC's conversations with multiple publishing sources stated that the ESA planned to put at least some portions of E3's 2021 digital show behind a paywall, with a suggested "premium" package price of $35. The report indicates that these elements would be along the lines of game demos or some other kind of "extra access," and does not seem to suggest that the conferences themselves would be paid content. However, VGC's report indicated that these plans might be tenuous, as at least one major games company had expressed criticism of this plan and the ESA seemed willing to back down. Its prior reports have described a week-long "experience" in mid-June with three days of broadcast content, as well as ongoing content after via an official app. Ideas reportedly pitched have included keynotes from major companies, an awards show, a preview night, media and business meeting scheduling via an app, demos, "virtual booths," and merch stores. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/10/will-e3-still-have-a-big-impact-in-2021-plus-silent-hill-rumors-beyond-episode-687"] Following this report, the official E3 Twitter account published a statement directly in response to this report that read, "E3’s 2021 digital show is a free event for all attendees.  We’re excited to fill you in on all the real news for the event very soon." And a further, more specific statement given to VGC from the ESA said that "there will be no elements at E3 2021 that will be behind a paid-for pass or paywall." The ESA previously confirmed that this year's E3 would be a digital event after E3 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19. In lieu of this, the majority of major publishers and platform holders opted to hold their own individual events scattered throughout the summer months. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.

Sony Japan Studio's ongoing restructure has led to a mass exodus of developers behind key PlayStation titles like Demon's Souls on PS5, Gravity Rush, Bloodborne, The Last Guardian, and more. In February, Sony confirmed that PlayStation's Japan Studio will be re-organized around Team ASOBI, the development unit behind Astro's Playroom. First-party development elsewhere in the studio will likely cease or be scaled back, and other departments such as localization, external production, and IP management will shift to PlayStation Studios. Since this news, several key members of Japan Studio have announced their departures from the company. Demon's Souls PS5 director Gavin Moore announced today he is leaving Sony after 24 years with the company.

After 24 years at Sony and 18 of those in Japan, yesterday was my last day at #JAPANStudio. I will miss the great creative spirit and camaraderie of the studio that was a huge part of my life. Time to seek out new and exciting opportunities!! pic.twitter.com/XOW0XytYd4

— gavin moore (@GavinmGavin) April 1, 2021

"After 24 years at Sony and 18 of those in Japan, yesterday was my last day at #JapanStudio. I will miss the great creative spirit and camaraderie of the studio that was a huge part of my life," Moore wrote in his farewell message. "Time to seek out new and exciting opportunities."

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Since Moore's message, several others shared that their time with Japan Studio has ended. Departures include former executive producer Yasutaka Asakura, who has credits on Gravity Rush, Bloodborne, and Shadows of the Colossus.

Brendon Pritchard who served as global relations on The Last Guardian also announced their departure; as well as Gravity Rush character designer Shunsuke Saito and senior producer Kentaro Motomura.

今日でソニー・インタラクティブエンタテインメントを退社しますー I'm leaving SIE Japan Studio today pic.twitter.com/jwXrGYMwGp

— 斎藤俊介(ShunsukeSaito) (@sshun3) March 31, 2021

Some of Japan Studio's creatives left earlier. Silent Hill director Keiichiro Toyama, along with Gravity Rush designer Junya Okura and The Last Guardian lead designer Kazunobu Sato all left Japan Studio in December to form Bokeh Game Studio. The developers are already working on their first game, a psychological horror title. As Japan Studio continues its re-structure, all eyes will be on what the studio that has worked on titles like Gravity Rush, Bloodborne, and more will look like once it fully re-centers around Team ASOBI. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor.